When all students, regardless of their ability levels, are educated in the least restrictiveenvironment, in a regular classroom, then they are considered Included.
All students, regardless of learning abilities, are educated in the regular classroom environment.
Classroom teachers and Special Education teachers collaborate with specialists, administration, parents and students to provide a rigorous classroom learning environment.
A variety of learning models are implemented to meet all levels and learning styles.
To be clear, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 2004, did not require inclusion for all students with disabilities. Instead, the law required that children with disabilities be educated in the "least restrictive environment appropriate” to meet their “unique needs.” IDEA contemplated that the "least restrictive environment" analysis will first begin with placement in the regular education classroom. However, IDEA developers recognized that it was not appropriate to place all children in the regular education classroom. Next Page: Research
What is Inclusion?
When all students, regardless of their ability levels, are educated in the least restrictive environment, in a regular classroom, then they are considered Included.
To be clear, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as amended in 2004, did not require inclusion for all students with disabilities. Instead, the law required that children with disabilities be educated in the "least restrictive environment appropriate” to meet their “unique needs.” IDEA contemplated that the "least restrictive environment" analysis will first begin with placement in the regular education classroom. However, IDEA developers recognized that it was not appropriate to place all children in the regular education classroom.
Next Page: Research